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KLRU KIDS celebrates the season with holiday episodes and movies, including:

In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. “A Creature Christmas” airs December 23 at 6:30 am & 4:00 pm; and December 25 at 8:00 am.

George and The Man with The Yellow Hat are having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. Help Curious George in his holiday special, A Very Monkey Christmas, airing on December 16 at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm; December 18 at 7:30 am; December 24 at 7:00 am and December 25 at 7:00 am.

In this holiday special of The Cat in the Hat, the adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!, airs December 17 at 6:00 am and December 25 at 6:00 am.

On Thomas & Friends, cheeky little Tank Engine, and his friends, Edward, James, Gordon, Percy, Henry and Toby, plus Emily, set out on their holiday adventures. Thomas & Friends premiers a week of new holiday episodes the week of 12/12-12/16 airs at 11:30 am weekdays.

Join Bob the Builder and all of his friends on his new holiday episode on December 5 at 10:30 am; December 9 at 10:30 am; December 15 at 10:30 am; December 19 at 10:30 am; December 21 at 10:30 am; and December 23 at 10:30 am.

In the countdown to Christmas on the Great British Baking Show “Christmas Master Class”, Paul bakes St. Lucia buns and mincemeat and marzipan couronne. Mary tackles French galette, Genoa cake, and white chocolate and ginger cheesecake, which airs Saturday, December 24 starting at 4:30 pm.

The one-hour music special HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE BOSTON POPS showcases the best of the New England holiday season with the Boston Pops and Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Featuring plenty of Christmas classics, Happy Holidays with the Boston Pops airs Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 pm

Tune in to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and hear Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British screen actor Martin Jarvis and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in the annual Christmas concert. Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir repeats on Saturday, December 24 at 8:00 pm

Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s The Voice (and biggest selling The Voice artist to date), stars in his very first one-hour concert program, JORDAN SMITH ‘TIS THE SEASON, which encores on Saturday, December 24 at 10:00 pm.

From manger scenes and mistletoe to wintry wonderlands, RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS celebrates the Christmas season throughout the European continent. In the special, Rick visits friends and families in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy to reveal their customs and practices of the holiday season. Rick Steves’ holiday episode, # 106 “European Christmas”, encores on Saturday, December 24 at 11:00 pm.

Christmas Day Programming:

On the Christmas Day special of Great British Baking Show “Christmas Master Class”, watch Mary prepare a pavlova wreath, and Paul a Chelsea bun Christmas tree. Mary makes decadent trifle layered with fruit compote and a rosace a l’orange. “Christmas Master Class” airs Sunday, December 25 starting at 1:00 pm

Taped in part at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans, the special spotlights a concert celebrating the city’s vast and unique musical influences.

Sunday, Dec. 11

10:30 pmEuropean Christmas Markets
Join us on our discovery of Europe’s Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights.

Austin’s own Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis perform a unique blend of country and Christmas tunes at The Paramount Theater.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

10:00 amEuropean Christmas Markets

10:30 amChristmas on the Danube
A companion to European Christmas Market documentary.It is true holiday treat that will fill your senses with warmth, touch your heart, and provide your mind with geography and history, as well.

1:00 pmEuropean Christmas Markets

1:30 pmChristmas on the Danube

Saturday, Dec. 24

5:00 amJordan Smith ’tis The Season
Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s The Voice (and biggest selling The Voice artist to date), stars in his very first one-hour concert program.

6:00 pmJordan Smith ’tis The Season

Sunday, Dec. 25

5:00 pmJordan Smith ’tis The Season

5:55 pmAncient Roads from Christ to Constantine marathon, episodes #101-106 — ends at 11:40 pm
Charts Christianity’s evolution from a small movement to the largest religion in the world, with more than two billion followers

If you’re a Cary Grant fan, you need to catch Q Night At The Movies this week! We start off the night learning about his acting career. Following an intimate conversation with writer/director Gary Ross, we’ve got back-to-back films starring Cary Grant. In Holiday, he plays a man with a questionable relationship with his fiancé’s sister. In The Philadelphia Story, Grant plays the ex-husband of a snooty socialite who flirts with a reporter. You won’t want to miss all of the fun!

At 7 p.m.,Hollywood Idols Cary Grant: The Leading Man highlights the acting career of a man who is to this day a household name. With a winning combination of comic style and leading-man charisma, Cary Grant was the essence of a star. But the suave exterior concealed a complex individual. Family photos, archival footage and film clips vividly convey Grant’s journey from lonely, working-class beginnings to the peak of Hollywood royalty.

On Story The Path Of An Action Writer features writer/director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, Free State of Jones) at 7:30 p.m. He explores lessons learned and wisdom gained over the course of his career as a storyteller, including the significance of mythology, imagination, and inventiveness throughout all parts of creation, from conception through completion of each project.

At 8 p.m., a tomboy New York socialite (Katharine Hepburn) flirts with her stuffy sister’s (Doris Nolan) down-to-earth fiance (Cary Grant) on All-star Film Collection Holiday.

The weather outside is frightful, the fire is pretty delightful, and it can only mean one thing – the holidays are almost here! To get ready for the holiday season, KLRU has a full slate of specials for your favorite kids shows.

Wild Kratts A Creature Christmas premieres Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 a.m. and repeats at 2 p.m. In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. Our heroes must race against time to thwart their greedy archrivals’ most miserly scheme yet! Will they be able to travel to the ends of the earth and return their baby animal friends to their homes in time for the holidays? Find out on Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas.

via PBSKids

Immediately following A Creature Christmas on Nov. 25, Nature Cat premieres! It also repeats at 2 p.m.

December 7:

Curious George A Very Monkey Christmas airs at 7:30 a.m. and repeats at 1 p.m. George and The Man with The Yellow Hat are having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Daniel’s Winter Adventure/Winter Nutcracker airs at 8:30 a.m. Daniel, Dad, Prince Wednesday and Prince Tuesday are all going sledding! But once they get to the hill and see how tall it is, Daniel and Prince Wednesday get scared. Dad assures them that if they try it a little bit at a time, they might surprise themselves and have a great time. Later, Daniel goes ice skating for the first time. When he tries it a little bit at a time, he realizes it is not so hard. Then, in Winter Nutcracker, Daniel is going to see a show called The Nutcracker Ballet! Once he arrives at the performance, he finds out that Prince Wednesday is sick and needs Daniel to fill in for him and dance on stage. Daniel is reluctant at first but realizes that if he learns the steps a little bit at a time, he can dance the Nutcracker and the show will go on!

Peg + Cat + Holidaysairs at 9:00 am and repeats at 12 noon. This is a special holiday episode of Peg + Cat featuring “The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem,” and “The Penguin Problem. ” This series is designed to engage preschool children and teach them how to solve math-based problems with Peg, a chatty and tenacious five year-old, her feline pal, Cat, and her smart, handsome, cool friend Ramone.

Dinosaur Train Trains, Submarines and Zeppelins airs at 10 a.m. Look for the premiere of a new Dinosaur Train holiday special, “Trains, Submarines and Zeppelins.” When Mr. Pteranodon and Larry go out to the Big Pond to find some red platanoids for the Winter Solstice Celebration, they accidentally miss the last train home. Will Larry and Mr. Pteranodon stop bickering long enough to figure out a way home, or will they get stranded in the middle of nowhere and miss the family Winter Solstice Celebration? Educational Objective: The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year.

Thomas & Friends Winder Delights/Merry Winter Wish airs at 11:30 a.m. Merry Misty Island – It’s the Winter Holidays on the Island of Sodor. Dash, Bash and Ferdinand decide to throw a party. This is their first party and they’re not really sure what to do and they won’t ask Thomas to help them. Soon the Logging Locos have caused chaos on Misty Island with party decorations scattered all over the place. They need help fast before their party is ruined. Thomas turns up just in time and the Winter Holiday Party is a big success. Merry Winter Wish – It’s the Winter Holidays and Thomas is given the special job of delivering the Star of Knapford to Knapford Station. Instead of going directly to Knapford, Thomas decides to give all of his friends a wish upon the star. The friends wish upon the star but soon there is an accident and the star falls off the back of Thomas’ flatbed. With the help of his friends Thomas gets the star to Knapford just in time.

Odd Squad Reindeer Games airs 3:30 p.m. Reindeer Games – In this Christmas-themed episode, Olive and Otto help Santa track down his missing reindeer. Also, Oscar helps Ms. O get off Santa’s naughty list. Curriculum: Coordinate graphing; greater than and less than.

Martha Speaks Martha’s Holiday Surprise/We’re Powerless airs Monday, December 7 at 5 p.m. Martha’s Holiday Surprise: A blizzard is headed towards Wagstaff City and Mittens the cat is trapped in an alley. Fears rise when the story unfolds: Mittens has kittens. Abandoning animal prejudices, Martha and Skits trample into the snow-capped city to rescue the endangered cat and her young. Vocabulary: (E) attack, comfort, nourish, secure, snuggle. We’re Powerless!: A blackout in Wagstaff City renders Helen, T.D. and Truman incapable of playing their favorite videogame, Multi-Dimensional Intergalactic Kleine Nachtgopher Attack Four. But with a little imagination, a basket of laundry and some salad tongs, these nachtgophers might not be so powerless after all. Vocabulary: (E) blackout, chill, discomfort, shiver, starve.

December 12:

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas airs at 9 a.m. Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even “Baxter Day” (Buster and his mom’s special celebration). The only problem is, just like in real life, perfection is hard to attain, and things start to fall apart.

Super Why! ’Twas The Night Before Christmas airs Thursday, December 24 at 11 a.m. and Friday, December 25 at 11 a.m. Super Why ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through Storybrook Village, not a creature was stirring…except for Whyatt, who has an important question for Santa! So the Super Readers catch up with Santa and his reindeer as they gallop from rooftop to rooftop and unravel the mystery of Santa’s childhood, discovering along the way how to help spread the magic of the holiday.

Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas airs Thursday, December 24 at 12:30 pm and repeats Saturday, December 26 at 7:00 am. This adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thingamajigger breaks down and they depend on a variety of animals — from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs — and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.

In this astonishing program filled with innovative photography and scientific revelation, we investigate how our favorite pets get in touch with their wild side through play. From talkative budgies, marathon-running hamsters, wall-climbing cats and diving dogs, as well as an island where rabbits rule and a city where dogs live a secret double life – discover how our pets’ playful games are just a whisker away from the wild.

In a program packed with incredible filming techniques, from Schlieren photography that makes smells visible, to moving X-rays, ultra slow-motion, and ultraviolet vision as well as HD horsecams and doggycams, discover how our pets experience the world through their astonishing senses and hidden channels of communication. This episode includes the sensory secrets of budgies, horses, guinea pigs and goldfish as well as the remarkable abilities of hamsters, cats and dogs.

Tom Xia emigrated from mainland China to California at age eight. A series of Chinese toy recalls forces Xia’s neighbors, the Joneses, to have their son tested for lead poisoning. With China’s assent to world superpower status heating up American fears, Xia challenges the Joneses to make it through the Christmas season without any Chinese products, beginning a journey to find American identity amongst all the American media hype, Chinese nationalist propaganda and cultural misunderstandings.

The honey badger is a relentless, fearless, little creature renowned for its ability to confront grown lions, castrate charging buffalo, and shrug off the toxic defenses of stinging bees, scorpions, and snakes. Little is known about its behavior in the wild or why it is so aggressive. This film follows three badger specialists in South Africa who take on these masters of mayhem in ways that must be seen to be believed.

Beneath the streets of Rome lies an ancient city of the dead known as the Catacombs — a labyrinth of tunnels, hundreds of miles long, lined with tombs. Now, NOVA goes inside a previously-unknown complex within the tunnel system: a mysterious mass grave, locked away for nearly 2000 years. NOVA’s forensic investigation opens up fascinating new insights into the daily life and health of Roman citizens at the heyday of its mighty empire.

Craft in America Celebration airs Wednesday, December 16 at 9 p.m.
This new episode explores craft artists, objects and traditions of various holidays, featuring Lion Dancers and float builders of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, ceramic artists in Detroit making festive pieces, Kwanzaa celebrations in Chicago and Oakland, and woodblock Christmas cards made by Yoshiko Yamamoto in Washington state.

Daytripper Grapevine, Tx airs Thursday, December 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Chet heads to Grapevine, the “Christmas Capital of Texas” to catch the spirit of the season. He visits Main Street to eat at a French bakery, tours a winery, sees amazing sculptures of ice at the Gaylord Texan, and finishes it off on the historic railroad bound for the North Pole.

Lidia Celebrates America Home For The Holidays airs Saturday, December 19 at 4:30 p.m.
It’s the premiere of “Home for the Holidays.” This new program is the fifth in the Lidia Celebrates America series with beloved PBS host Lidia Bastianich. The program celebrates holiday traditions told through the voices of six celebrity guests: Rita Moreno, Christopher Walken, Ann Curry, Padma Lakshmi, Marcus Samuelsson and Carlo Ponti Jr. The deeply personal stories of each individual’s journey to and in America are all set against a backdrop in which they share a deliciously diverse Christmas dinner at Lidia’s home.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Santino Fontana and the Sesame Street Muppets airs Monday, December 21 at 8 p.m. and repeats Thursday, December 24 at 8 p.m.
Four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and veteran movie and television star Peter Graves join the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square in the premiere of an annual holiday concert that this year includes African-American spirituals and a medley of contemporary favorites. Celebrate the holidays with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City with guests Santino Fontana, the voice of Hans from the Disney movie “Frozen” and the Muppets from Sesame Street.

It’s the premiere of Christmas at Belmont 2015, an annual Belmont University tradition celebrating the holiday season and the musical diversity and rich talent of the university’s School of Music. The concert features Kathy Mattea and more than 400 student voices joining with School of Music faculty to present the annual holiday production.

Happy Holidays: The Best of the Andy Christmas Shows airs Tuesday, December 22 at 7 p.m.
Happy Holidays: The Best of the Andy Williams Christmas Shows features classic clips from beloved singer and television personality Andy Williams’ Christmas specials. The digitally re-mastered production numbers are complete with magnificent sets and costumes and a cast of singers, dancers and skaters. Quintessential moments include Williams’ solos on “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria,” as well as ensemles with his brothers on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with the Osmonds on “Silver Bells.” Interviews with Williams, his son Bobby and Donny Osmond are interwoven with the clips.

Nature Magic of the Snowy Owl airs Wednesday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Nature explores the world of the snowy owl, a bird recently made popular by Hedwig, Harry Potter’s faithful companion. Turning fantasy into reality, “Magic of the Snowy Owl” takes an intimate look at how these majestic birds survive in one of the most isolated and inhospitable places on the planet. Noted wildlife filmmaker Fergus Beeley (“Jungle Eagle”) takes viewers deep into the “snowy’s” tundra home on the North Slope of Alaska to observe the daily struggles involved in raising a family of helpless chicks until they are able to fly. Viewers will discover that these strikingly beautiful Arctic owls – essentially eagles, falcons and owls rolled into one – have a magic of their own.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special airs Friday, December 25 at 8 p.m.
Haul out the holly and celebrate a new Call the Midwife Holiday Special, premiering on Christmas night. Join the revels as Poplar readies itself for Christmas 1960. An unexpected surprise for a grieving mother brings the holiday magic home, while Nonnatus is rocked when one of its own disappears. A film crew promises to make this a memorable Christmas. This is the same date that the BBC1 will premiere the special in the UK!

Vicious Holiday Special airs Friday, December 25 at 9:30 p.m.
Vicious encores “Holiday Special.” Freddie (Ian McKellen) and Stuart (Derek Jacobi) host a holiday soiree in their small central London flat. Ash (Iwan Rheon), their young upstairs neighbor, has volunteered to cook the meal, their feisty best friend Violet (Frances de la Tour) is up to her old tricks, and a wicked game of “Truth or Dare” brings up hidden truths – and surprises as well.

Nature Animal Misfits airs Wednesday, December 30 at 7 p.m.
Life on earth is incredibly diverse, but it’s not always what you might expect. Alongside the fastest, strongest, smartest animals are nature’s misfits. These odd, bizarre and unlikely creatures at first glance seem ill-equipped for survival. Left at the starting line in the race for life, these are the apparent losers in the story of evolution, yet somehow they still manage to cling to life and in some cases even thrive. “Animal Misfits” reveals some surprising details about how evolution really works, demonstrating that all animals are remarkably well-adapted to their chosen way of life.

Normally, KLRU chooses three programs each month for your family to enjoy together. In December 2014, we have many incredible family viewing opportunities – Kids’ shows, nighttime programs, and Vme shows in Spanish. Check out our holiday programming list without the holiday commercials for you and your kids!

Curious George: A Very Monkey ChristmasNovember 26 at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm; November 27 at 2:00 pm; November 28 at 2:00 pm December 17 at 2:00 pm and December 25 at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Join George and The Man with the Yellow Hat as they count down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. The Man is having trouble reading George’s wish list and George doesn’t have a clue about what to get for the Man who has everything. Maybe you can help!

“Daniel’s Winter Adventure” – Daniel, Dad, Prince Wednesday and Prince Tuesday are all going sledding! But once they get to the hill and see how tall it is, Daniel and Prince Wednesday get scared. Dad assures them that if they try it a little bit at a time, they might surprise themselves and have a great time. Later, Daniel ice-skates for the first time. When he tries it a little bit at a time, he realizes it is not so hard.

“Neighborhood Nutcracker” – Daniel is going to see a show called The Nutcracker Ballet! Once he arrives at the performance, he finds out that Prince Wednesday is sick and needs Daniel to fill in for him and dance on stage. Daniel is reluctant at first, but realizes that if he learns the steps a little bit at a time, he can dance the Nutcracker and the show will go on! Strategy: If something seems hard to do, try it a little bit at a time.

Elmo’s Christmas CountdownTuesday, December 23 at 7:00 am; Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 am; Thursday, December 25 at 9:00 am and Friday, December 26 at 7:00 am.

There’s a miracle on Sesame Street in this special holiday tale. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and their new friend Stiller the Elf (voice of Ben Stiller) are going to count down to Christmas with the Christmas Counter-Downer. But all the counting boxes have gone missing and Christmas may never come again! Can Elmo, Abby, and Stiller the Elf save Christmas? With the help of very special guests Sheryl Crow, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley,Ty Pennington, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, and Kevin James (as Santa Claus), Elmo and friends will learn to believe in Christmas miracles. Featuring: “Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays!” Today Elmo is thinking about… Christmas! Join Elmo as he visits Santa and learns all about the Christmas spirit and celebrating with family and friends. Educational

“The Hanukkah Problem” – When Albert Einstein invites Peg and Cat over for Hanukkah, he shows them how to make a 2D piece of paper into a 3D dreidel. Later, they need to use this process to bring peace to Al’s home and save his Hanukkah.

“The Christmas Problem” – When Santa Claus is in trouble, Peg and Cat have to solve their biggest problem ever: how to make and wrap presents for all the children of the world, and then deliver them using 100 sleighs.

“The Penguin Problem” – Peg and Cat coach a team of skiing penguins, who would have a shot at the Olympic gold medal if only they knew “over,” “under,” and “in between.”

“Duncan The Humbug” – Everyone is happy at Christmastime except Duncan, the Scottish narrow gauge engine, who seems to be grumbling even more than usual. Victor offers Duncan a new coat of paint if he can refrain from grumbling for one whole day. Duncan rises to the challenge, but it is not so easy for an engine who likes to grumble to give up a lifetime habit.

“The Perfect Gift” – The whole island is celebrating Christmas and there are decorations everywhere. But it doesn’t look very Christmas-y at the scrap yard. Percy starts to worry that Reg is missing out and he tries to find something to give Reg to cheer him up. But Reg only seems happy about scrap. Percy discovers that Reg is celebrating Christmas in his own way and has been making decorations from the scrap.

“Last Train for Christmas” – It’s Christmas Eve and a lot of passengers are coming home to Sodor for the holiday. Connor can’t carry all the passengers who are trying to get on his train. He promises to come back and pick them up, but the snow keeps falling and the engines are struggling to keep the tracks clear. It becomes a race against time, and the engines have to work together to clear the tracks and get the passengers home in time for Christmas.

“Long Lost Friend” – Gator returns to the Island of Sodor after being away for a long time. He is looking forward to seeing his old friend Percy. When Percy hears that Gator is back, he is very excited and immediately heads off to see him. But the two engines keep missing each other. They both have doubts they’ll see each other, but finally they connect and have a wonderful reunion.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Tuesday, November 25 at 8 pm and Thursday, November 27 at 9:30 pm.
It also repeats on Tuesday, December 2 at 10 pm. Narrated by the late Ossie Davis, this a fantasy trip through the magic of Christmas. A runaway little girl decides to return to her family after she enters a rundown theater for shelter and encounters an old caretaker (Davis), who guides her on her journey. The caretaker brings the theater to life through musical performances by singers Jewel, Michael Crawford and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas
Thursday, November 27 at 8:00 pm and repeats Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm. Internationally renowned for alluring stage productions and songs of heartwarming inspiration, Home For Christmas reveals for Celtic Woman what will be their newest chapter of musical enchantment to be enjoyed by the entire family. Home For Christmas stars vocalists Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha and Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt, performing timeless holiday favorites (“Silent Night,” I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Joy To The World”) with their signature Celtic twist under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes.

Renee Fleming – Christmas in New York
Thursday, December 4 at 8:00 pm and repeats Tuesday, December 9 at 8:30 pm.
The essence of the city during the most wonderful time of year is captured in a series of intimate and unique musical performances on Christmas in New York. For this holiday special, American soprano Renee Fleming and special guests bring the iconic Christmas season in New York to homes across America. Live musical performances, interviews and scenes filmed around the city during the holidays make this an unforgettable musical experience.

National Christmas Tree Lighting 2014
Tuesday, December 16 at 9:00 pm.
This special promises to include appearances and performances by some of the most recognizable names in entertainment. The evening’s festivities will be capped off with the ceremonial lighting of the National Christmas Tree, which is traditionally handled by the President and First Family. Tuesday, December

Joshua Bell Presents Musical Gifts
Tuesday, December 16 at 10:00 pm
In celebration of the release of his album, Musical Gifts, world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell welcomed cameras into his elegant Manhattan residence for a rare and intimate concert. JOSHUA BELL PRESENTS MUSICAL GIFTS recreates Bell’s personal tradition of hosting friends and family at his home during the holidays. The salon-style performance captures the warmth, beauty and magic of the season. The 10-song set list features holiday standards, including “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” with opera star Renee Fleming, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with pianist and vocalist Frankie Moreno, Jimmy Van Heusen/Sammy Cahn’s “The Secret of Christmas” with Michael Feinstein, “Let it Snow” with guitarist/violinist Rob Moose, and a heartwarming rendition of “Silent Night” by the Young People’s Chorus of New York. Bell also performs two classical pieces – “Devil’s Trill Sonata” and “Polonaise Brillante” – alongside pianist Frederic Chlu.

Great Performances “Rejoice with Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot“Thursday, December 18 at 9:00 pm
Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman and celebrated cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot join forces for a musical exploration of liturgical and traditional works in new arrangements for both chamber orchestra and klezmer settings. The music of Rejoice showcases the confluences between the violinist’s famed classical technique and Helfgot’s magnificent voice.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Deborah Voigt and John Rhys
Friday, December 19 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, December 25 at 9:00 pm
Soprano Deborah Voigt and acclaimed British actor John Rhys-Davies join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a Christmas concert of holiday favorites.

Christmas in Norway with the St. Olaf ChoirFriday, December 19 at 9:00 pm
This Christmas special was filmed in Trondheim, Norway’s magnificent Nidaros Dom cathedral, one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Featured performers include the renowned voices of the St. Olaf Choir, the premier mixed voice choral ensemble from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, conducted by Anton Armstrong and Jentekor, the girl choir of Nidaros conducted by Anita Brevik.

Christmas in Alsace with Chef Hubert Keller
Saturday, December 20 at 4:30 pm
It’s a Christmas celebration with star chef Hubert Keller who is taking viewers on a special culinary journey to his homeland of Alsace. Visit the area’s famed Christmas markets and its top culinary hotspots. Highlights include: A tour through the beautiful village where Chef Keller grew up and its medieval Christmas market; stops at Chef Keller’s favorite cheese store and restaurant, plus an Alsatian winery; A finale at a spectacular Christmas dinner attended by Chef Keller’s family and friends.

Chef’s Life Holiday SpecialSaturday, December 20 at 5:30 pm
Delectable fudge. Crispy peanut brittle. Gooey chocolate-covered cherries. Old-fashioned caramels. It’s the stuff of holiday memories… with a little bit of a twist. Doing what she knows best, Chef Vivian Howard hosts her own vision of the season’s celebrations in this one-hour special – exploring holiday traditions, Kinston, NC style. A Chef’s Life Holiday Special invites viewers to join in one of the most charming and delicious celebrations of the season. “Deck the Halls Ya’all!”

First Silent NightSunday, December 21 at 2:00 pm
“The First Silent Night tells viewers a tale that has been two hundred years in the making. A story that begins in humble circumstances and ends with the creation of the world’s most popular carol.” For close to two hundred years, one carol has occupied the heart of Christmas celebrations across the world. It has been translated into over 300 languages, performed by Symphony orchestras and celebrated international artists and soloists. Almost every Christmas music release annually includes a new recording of Silent Night. This holiday melody has echoed through the world’s shopping centres, exciting the minds of children. Its lullaby strains have drifted across battlefields, calming the hearts of warring nations. No composition, in the history of carols, can be said to have united so many people in the joys and meaning of Christmas. Join renowned actor Simon Callow as he uncovers the moving origins of Silent Night. Simon journeys to the Austrian village of Oberndorf as well the city of Salzburg, where the story of the world’s favourite carol had its origins.

Christmas Carol: The ConcertSunday, December 21 at 3:00 pm
“A Christmas Carol: The Concert” is a unique musical and television event — the first time Dickens’ classic tale has been adapted for a live orchestral concert with choir and soloists, and performed for audiences in a concert setting. The stirring score recalls Broadway classics, and is filled with memorable, haunting and rousing songs. The story, quite faithfully and skillfully adapted by Broadway’s Alisa Hauser, is dazzlingly performed by leading lights from the Chicago and New York theater world, including Michael Aaron Lindner and E. Faye Butler. Directed for the stage by Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company’s David Kersnar, lit and designed by 4-time Emmy Award-winner Todd L. Clark, and produced for television by the 17- time Emmy Award-winning creative team at HMS Media, “A Christmas Carol: The Concert” is a celebration of classic storytelling and ensemble performances which provide audiences with both the comforts of a classic tale and the thrill of seeing and hearing it told like never before.

Call the Midwife Holiday SpecialThursday, December 25 at 7:00 pm
Rehearsals for the Sunday School Christmas concert are underway, creating inconvenience for the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House. Two unmarried patients are dispatched to York Lodge, a badly managed home for pregnant women. Chummy takes over running the facility after an outbreak of chicken pox there. Dr. Turner treats a destitute older couple, former residents of a mental hospital closed under the mental health reforms. As residents of Nonnatus welcome the New Year, the question on everyone’s mind is, what will 1960 bring?

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choirfeaturing Deborah Voigt and John Rhys
Thursday, December 25 at 9:00 pm
Soprano Deborah Voigt and acclaimed British actor John Rhys-Davies join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a Christmas concert of holiday favorites.